Main content

Ukraine: Fighting for openness

Even in wartime, citizens of one Ukrainian city are battling to hold an all-powerful mayor to account, investigating alleged corruption. Can they bring change to Dnipro?

As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers defend their country against Russia, many patriotic civilians are engaged in a struggle that's less risky, but that they believe is also vital. They’re battling for a fairer, less corrupt Ukraine, worthy of its heroes.
For Assignment, Tim Whewell follows one tireless citizens’ group in the city of Dnipro as they continue, even in wartime, to hold local authorities to account. They've been investigating a contract to repair housing damaged in a Russian attack. And they claim there's been corrupt profiteering. But Dnipro's powerful mayor dismisses the allegations - and deliberately insults those who question his priorities.
What's the role of civil society when rockets are falling? And can Ukraine - one of the world's more corrupt countries - pursue reform while the war continues?

Produced and presented by Tim Whewell

(Image: Protestors outside Dnipro City Hall call for more spending on the army – and less on urban improvement projects. Credit: ´óÏó´«Ã½/Tim Whewell)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 Dec 2023 16:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 14 Dec 2023 02:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Dec 2023 09:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Dec 2023 13:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Dec 2023 20:06GMT
  • Thu 14 Dec 2023 21:06GMT
  • Sat 16 Dec 2023 22:32GMT
  • Sun 17 Dec 2023 12:32GMT
  • Sun 17 Dec 2023 16:06GMT

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes